Programming of DIMM termination resistance values

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer program products, for providing termination resistance in a memory module are provided. An apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of memory circuits; an interface circuit operable to communicate with the plurality of memory circuits and to communicate with a memory controller; and a transmission line electrically coupling the interface circuit to a memory controller, wherein the interface circuit is operable to terminate the transmission line with a single termination resistance that is selected based on a plurality of resistance-setting commands received from the memory controller.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/185,585, filed on Jun. 9, 2009,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

This specification relates to controlling of termination resistancevalues in memory modules.

A typical memory system includes memory modules that are arranged inslots. Each memory module includes a number of memory chips. Forexample, the memory module can be a dual inline memory module (DIMM) andthe memory chips can be dynamic random access memory chips (DRAMs).Memory modules are physically placed in slot connectors and areelectrically coupled to other components, e.g., one or more memorycontrollers, through channels and buses. These channels and buses formtransmission lines that are electrically terminated at the connectedDIMMs. A memory controller can select any of the DIMMs in a channel forreading or writing, but it will only access one DIMM at a time. The slotin which the DIMM accessed for reading or writing is located is referredto as the “active” slot, while slots in which the other non-accessedDIMMs are located are referred to as the “standby” slots.

A typical DIMM can have a single rank or multiple ranks. A rank is anindependent set of DRAMs within the DIMM that can be simultaneouslyaccessed for the full data bit-width of the DIMM, such as 72 bits. Therank to which data is being written is called the target rank forwrites. The rank from which data is being read is called the target rankfor reads.

SUMMARY

This specification describes technologies relating to controlling oftermination resistance values in memory modules.

In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in thisspecification can be embodied in an apparatus for providing terminationresistance in a memory module that includes a plurality of memorycircuits; an interface circuit operable to communicate with theplurality of memory circuits and to communicate with a memorycontroller; and a transmission line electrically coupling the interfacecircuit to a memory controller, wherein the interface circuit isoperable to terminate the transmission line with a single terminationresistance that is selected based on a plurality of resistance-settingcommands received from the memory controller. Other embodiments of thisaspect include corresponding systems, method, computer readable media,and computer program products.

These and other embodiments can optionally include one or more of thefollowing features. The apparatus provides single termination resistancewith an on-die termination (ODT) resistor. The interface circuit selectsa value of the single termination resistance from a look-up table. Theplurality of resistance-setting commands received from the memorycontroller include a first mode register set (MRS) command and a secondMRS command. A value of the single termination resistance during readoperations is different from a value of the single terminationresistance during write operations. The plurality of memory circuits isa plurality of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) integrated circuitsin a dual in-line memory module (DIMM). The single terminationresistance has a value that is different from values specified by theresistance-setting commands received from the memory controller.

In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in thisspecification can be embodied in methods that include the actions ofreceiving a plurality of resistance-setting commands from a memorycontroller at an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit isoperable to communicate with a plurality of memory circuits and with thememory controller; selecting a resistance value based on the receivedplurality of resistance-setting commands; and terminating a transmissionline between the interface circuit and the memory controller with aresistor of the selected resistance value. Other embodiments of thisaspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, computer readablemedia, and computer program products.

In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in thisspecification can be embodied in an apparatus for providing terminationresistance in a memory module that includes a first memory circuithaving a first termination resistor with a selectable value; a secondmemory circuit having a second termination resistor with a selectablevalue; and an interface circuit operable to communicate with the firstand the second memory circuits and a memory controller, wherein theinterface circuit is operable to select a single value for the first andthe second termination resistors that is chosen based on a plurality ofresistance-setting commands received from the memory controller. Otherembodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, method,computer readable media, and computer program products.

These and other embodiments can optionally include one or more of thefollowing features. The first and the second termination resistors areODT resistors. The interface circuit selects a single value for thefirst and the second termination resistors from a look-up table. Theplurality of resistance-setting commands received from the memorycontroller includes an MRS command and a second MRS command. Values ofthe first and the second termination resistors during read operationsare different from values of the first and the second terminationresistors during write operations. The first and the second memorycircuits are DRAM integrated circuits in a DIMM. The single valueselected by the interface circuit for the first and the secondtermination resistors is different from values indicated by theplurality of resistance-setting commands received from the memorycontroller.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in thisspecification can be implemented to realize one or more of the followingadvantages. The use of the interface circuit for transmission linetermination allows for the creation of a single point of termination fora DIMM. This can improve performance, reduce cost, and provide otherbenefits for a memory module design. An interface circuit fortransmission line termination can be used to tune termination valuesspecifically for a DIMM. Standard termination values, for example thetermination values mandated by Joint Electron Devices EngineeringCouncil (JEDEC), might not always be optimal for a given DIMM, leadingto sub-optimal performance.

The use of an interface circuit for transmission line termination canprovide optimal ODT resistance for a given DIMM, which preserves signalintegrity and minimizes noise on the transmission line. Furthermore, theuse of the interface circuit can also provide termination resistance fora DIMM that is higher than the resistance mandated by a standard. Ifhigher resistance is used while signal integrity is maintained, powerdissipation will be reduced because the amount of dissipated power isinversely proportional to the value of termination resistance. As aresult, the use of an interface circuit for transmission linetermination can improve electrical performance and signal quality withina memory system using one or more DIMMs.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features and advantages willbe apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-F are block diagrams of example computer systems.

FIG. 2 is an example timing diagram for a 3-DIMMs per channel (3DPC)configuration.

FIGS. 3A-C are block diagrams of an example memory module using aninterface circuit to provide DIMM termination.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a slice of an example 2-rank DIMMusing two interface circuits for DIMM termination per slice.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a slice of an example 2-rank DIMMwith one interface circuit per slice.

FIG. 6 illustrates a physical layout of an example printed circuit board(PCB) of a DIMM with an interface circuit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for providingtermination resistance in a memory module.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Electrical termination of a transmission line involves placing atermination resistor at the end of the transmission line to prevent thesignal from being reflected back from the end of the line, causinginterference. In some memory systems, transmission lines that carry datasignals are terminated using on-die termination (ODT). ODT is atechnology that places an impedance matched termination resistor intransmission lines inside a semiconductor chip. During systeminitialization, values of ODT resistors used by DRAMs can be set by thememory controller using mode register set (MRS) commands. In addition,the memory controller can turn a given ODT resistor on or turn off atthe DRAM with an ODT control signal. When the ODT resistor is turned onwith an ODT control signal, it begins to terminate the associatedtransmission line. For example, a memory controller in adouble-data-rate three (DDR3) system can select two static terminationresistor values during initialization for all DRAMs within a DIMM usingMRS commands. During system operation, the first ODT value (Rtt_Nom) isapplied to non-target ranks when the corresponding rank's ODT signal isasserted for both reads and writes. The second ODT value (Rtt_WR) isapplied only to the target rank of a write when that rank's ODT signalis asserted.

FIGS. 1A-F are block diagrams of example computer systems. FIG. 1A is ablock diagram of an example computer system 100A. Computer system 100Aincludes a platform chassis 110, which includes at least one motherboard120. In some implementations, the example computer system 100A includesa single case, a single power supply, and a single motherboard/blade. Inother implementations, computer system 100A can include multiple cases,power supplies, and motherboards/blades.

The motherboard 120 includes a processor section 126 and a memorysection 128. In some implementations, the motherboard 120 includesmultiple processor sections 126 and/or multiple memory sections 128. Theprocessor section 126 includes at least one processor 125 and at leastone memory controller 124. The memory section 128 includes one or morememory modules 130 that can communicate with the processor section 126using the memory bus 134 (e.g., when the memory section 128 is coupledto the processor section 126). The memory controller 124 can be locatedin a variety of places. For example, the memory controller 124 can beimplemented in one or more of the physical devices associated with theprocessor section 126, or it can be implemented in one or more of thephysical devices associated with the memory section 128.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram that illustrates a more detailed view of theprocessor section 126 and the memory section 128, which includes one ormore memory modules 130. Each memory module 130 communicates with theprocessor section 126 over the memory bus 134. In some implementations,the example memory module 130 includes one or more interface circuits150 and one or more memory chips 142. While the following discussiongenerally references a single interface circuit 150, more than oneinterface circuit 150 can be used. In addition, though the computersystems are described with reference to memory chips as DRAMs, thememory chip 142 can be, but is not limited to, DRAM, synchronous DRAM(SDRAM), double data rate synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3SDRAM, DDR4 SDRAM, etc.), graphics double data rate synchronous DRAM(GDDR SDRAM, GDDR2 SDRAM, GDDR3 SDRAM, etc.), quad data rate DRAM (QDRDRAM), RAMBUS XDR DRAM (XDR DRAM), fast page mode DRAM (FPM DRAM), videoDRAM (VDRAM), extended data out DRAM (EDO DRAM), burst EDO RAM (BEDODRAM), multibank DRAM (MDRAM), synchronous graphics RAM (SGRAM),phase-change memory, flash memory, and/or any other type of volatile ornon-volatile memory.

Each of the one or more interface circuits 150 can be, for example, adata buffer, a data buffer chip, a buffer chip, or an interface chip.The location of the interface circuit 150 is not fixed to a particularmodule or section of the computer system. For example, the interfacecircuit 150 can be positioned between the processor section 126 and thememory module 130 (FIG. 1C). In some implementations, the interfacecircuit 150 is located in the memory controller 124, as shown in FIG.1D. In yet some other implementations, each memory chip 142 is coupledto its own interface circuit 150 within memory module 130 (FIG. 1E). Andin another implementation, the interface circuit 150 is located in theprocessor section 126 or in processor 125, as shown in FIG. 1F.

The interface circuit 150 can act as an interface between the memorychips 142 and the memory controller 124. In some implementations, theinterface circuit 150 accepts signals and commands from the memorycontroller 124 and relays or transmits commands or signals to the memorychips 142. These could be the same or different signals or commands.Each of the one or more interface circuits 150 can also emulate avirtual memory module, presenting the memory controller 124 with anappearance of one or more virtual memory circuits. In the emulationmode, the memory controller 124 interacts with the interface circuit 150as it would with a physical DRAM or multiple physical DRAMs on a memorymodule, depending on the configuration of the interface circuit 150.Therefore, in emulation mode, the memory controller 124 could see asingle-rank memory module or a multiple-rank memory module in the placeof the interface circuit 150, depending on the configuration of theinterface circuit 150. In case multiple interface circuits 150 are usedfor emulation, each interface circuit 150 can emulate a portion (i.e., aslice) of the virtual memory module that is presented to the memorycontroller 124.

An interface circuit 150 that is located on a memory module can also actas a data buffer for multiple memory chips 142. In particular, theinterface circuit 150 can buffer one or more ranks and present a singlecontrollable point of termination for a transmission line. The interfacecircuit 150 can be connected to memory chips 142 or to the memorycontroller 124 with one or more transmission lines. The interfacecircuit 150 can therefore provide a more flexible memory module (e.g.,DIMM) termination instead of, or in addition to, the memory chips (e.g.,DRAM) located on the memory module.

The interface circuit 150 can terminate all transmission lines or just aportion of the transmission lines of the DIMM. In case when multipleinterface circuits 150 are used, each interface circuit 150 canterminate a portion of the transmission lines of the DIMM. For example,the interface circuit 150 can be used to terminate 8 bits of data. Ifthere are 72 bits of data provided by a DIMM, then nine interfacecircuits are needed to terminate the entire DIMM. In another example,the interface circuit 150 can be used to terminate 72 bits of data, inwhich case one interface circuit 150 would be needed to terminate theentire 72-bit DIMM. Additionally, the interface circuit 150 canterminate various transmission lines. For example, the interface circuit150 can terminate a transmission line between the memory controller 124and the interface circuit 150. In addition or alternatively, theinterface circuit 150 can terminate a transmission line between theinterface circuit 150 and one or more of the memory chips 142.

Each of one or more interface circuits 150 can respond to a plurality ofODT signals or MRS commands received from the memory controller 124. Insome implementations, the memory controller 124 sends one ODT signal orMRS command per physical rank. In some other implementations, the memorycontroller 124 sends more than one ODT signal or MRS command perphysical rank. Regardless, because the interface circuit 150 is used asa point of termination, the interface circuit 150 can apply different orasymmetric termination values for non-target ranks during reads andwrites. Using different non-target DIMM termination values for reads andwrites allows for improved signal quality of the channel and reducedpower dissipation due to the inherent asymmetry of a termination line.

Moreover, because the interface circuit 150 can be aware of the state ofother signals/commands to a DIMM, the interface circuit 150 can choose asingle termination value that is optimal for the entire DIMM. Forexample, the interface circuit 150 can use a lookup table filled withtermination values to select a single termination value based on the MRScommands it receives from the memory controller 124. The lookup tablecan be stored within interface circuit 150 or in other memory locations,e.g., memory controller 124, processor 125, or a memory module 130. Inanother example, the interface circuit 150 can compute a singletermination based on one or more stored formula. The formula can acceptinput parameters associated with MRS commands from the memory controller124 and output a single termination value. Other techniques of choosingtermination values can be used, e.g., applying specific voltages tospecific pins of the interface circuit 150 or programming one or moreregisters in the interface circuit 150. The register can be, forexample, a flip-flop or a storage element.

Tables 1A and 1B show example lookup tables that can be used by theinterface circuit 150 to select termination values in a memory systemwith a two-rank DIMM.

TABLE 1A Termination values expressed in terms of resistance RZQ. term_bdisabled RZQ/4 RZQ/2 RZQ/6 RZQ/12 RZQ/8 reserved reserved term_adisabled disabled RZQ/4 RZQ/2 RZQ/6 RZQ/12 RZQ/8 TBD TBD RZQ/4 RZQ/8RZQ/6 RZQ/12 RZQ/12 RZQ/12 TBD TBD RZQ/2 RZQ/4 RZQ/8 RZQ/12 RZQ/12 TBDTBD RZQ/6 RZQ/12 RZQ/12 RZQ/12 TBD TBD RZQ/12 RZQ/12 RZQ/12 TBD TBDRZQ/8 RZQ/12 TBD TBD reserved TBD TBD reserved TBD

TABLE 1B Termination values of Table 1A with RZQ = 240 ohm term_b inf 60120 40 20 30 reserved reserved term_a inf inf 60 120 40 20 30 TBD TBD 6030 40 20 20 20 TBD TBD 120  60 30 20 20 TBD TBD 40 20 20 20 TBD TBD 2020 20 TBD TBD 30 20 TBD TBD reserved TBD TBD reserved TBD

Because the example memory system has two ranks, it would normallyrequire two MRS commands from the memory controller 124 to set ODTvalues in each of the ranks. In particular, memory controller 124 wouldissue an MRS0 command that would set the ODT resistor values in DRAMs ofthe first rank (e.g., as shown by term_a in Tables 1A-B) and would alsoissue an ODT0 command signal that would activate corresponding ODTresistors in the first rank. Memory controller 124 would also issue anMRS1 command that would set the ODT resistor values in DRAMs of thesecond rank (e.g., as shown by term_b in Tables 1A-B) and would alsoissue an ODT1 command signal that would enable the corresponding ODTresistors in the second rank.

However, because the interface circuit 150 is aware of signals/commandstransmitted by the memory controller 124 to both ranks of the DIMM, itcan select a single ODT resistor value for both ranks using a lookuptable, for example, the resistor value shown in Tables 1A-B. Theinterface circuit 150 can then terminate the transmission line with theODT resistor having the single selected termination value.

In addition or alternatively, the interface circuit 150 can also issuesignals/commands to DRAMs in each rank to set their internal ODTs to theselected termination value. This single termination value may beoptimized for multiple ranks to improve electrical performance andsignal quality.

For example, if the memory controller 124 specifies the first rank's ODTvalue equal to RZQ/6 and the second rank's ODT value equal to RZQ/12,the interface circuit 150 will signal or apply an ODT resistance valueof RZQ/12. The resulting value can be found in the lookup table at theintersection of a row and a column for given resistance values for rank0 (term_a) and rank 1 (term_b), which are received from the memorycontroller 124 in the form of MRS commands. In case the RZQ variable isset to 240 ohm, the single value signaled or applied by the interfacecircuit 150 will be 240/12=20 ohm. A similar lookup table approach canbe applied to Rtt_Nom values, Rtt_WR values, or termination values forother types of signals.

In some implementations, the size of the lookup table is reduced by‘folding’ the lookup table due to symmetry of the entry values (Rtt). Insome other implementations, an asymmetric lookup table is used in whichthe entry values are not diagonally symmetric. In addition, theresulting lookup table entries do not need to correspond to the parallelresistor equivalent of Joint Electron Devices Engineering Council(JEDEC) standard termination values. For example, the table entrycorresponding to 40 ohm for the first rank in parallel with 40 ohm forthe second rank (40//40) does not have to result in a 20 ohm terminationsetting. In addition, in some implementations, the lookup table entriesare different from Rtt_Nom or Rtt_WR values required by the JEDECstandards.

While the above discussion focused on a scenario with a single interfacecircuit 150, the same techniques can be applied to a scenario withmultiple interface circuits 150. For example, in case multiple interfacecircuits 150 are used, each interface circuit 150 can select atermination value for the portion of the DIMM that is being terminatedby that interface circuit 150 using the techniques discussed above.

FIG. 2 is an example timing diagram 200 for a 3-DIMMs per channel (3DPC)configuration, where each DIMM is a two-rank DIMM. The timing diagram200 shows timing waveforms for each of the DIMMs in three slots: DIMM A220, DIMM B 222, and DIMM C 224. In FIG. 2, each DIMM receives two ODTsignal waveforms for ranks 0 and 1 (ODT0, ODT1), thus showing a total ofsix ODT signals: signals 230 and 232 for DIMM A, signals 234 and 236 forDIMM B, and signals 238 and 240 for DIMM C. In addition, the timingdiagram 200 shows a Read signal 250 applied to DIMM A either at rank 0(R0) or rank 1 (R1). The timing diagram 200 also shows a Write signal252 applied to DIMM A at rank 0 (R0).

The values stored in the lookup table can be different from the ODTvalues mandated by JEDEC. For example, in the 40//40 scenario (R0Rtt_Nom=ZQ/6=40 ohm, R1 Rtt_Nom=ZQ/6=40 ohm, with ZQ=240 ohm), atraditional two-rank DIMM system relying on JEDEC standard will have itsmemory controller set DIMM termination values of either INF (infinity oropen circuit), 40 ohm (assert either ODT0 or ODT1), or 20 ohm (assertODT0 and ODT1). On the other hand, the interface circuit 150 relying onthe lookup table can set the ODT resistance value differently frommemory controller relying on JEDEC-mandated values. For example, for thesame values of R0 Rtt_Nom and R1 Rtt_Nom, the interface circuit 150 canselect a resistance value that is equal to ZQ/12 (20 ohm) or ZQ/8 (30ohm) or some other termination value. Therefore, even though the timingdiagram 200 shows a 20 ohm termination value for the 40//40 scenario,the selected ODT value could correspond to any other value specified inthe lookup table for the specified pair of R0 and R1 values.

When the interface circuit 150 is used with one-rank DIMMs, the memorycontroller can continue to provide ODT0 and ODT1 signals to distinguishbetween reads and writes even though ODT1 signal might not have anyeffect in a traditional memory channel. This allows single and multiplerank DIMMs to have the same electrical performance. In some otherimplementations, various encodings of the ODT signals are used. Forexample, the interface circuit 150 can assert ODT0 signal for non-targetDIMMs for reads and ODT1 signal for non-target DIMMs for writes.

In some implementations, termination resistance values in multi-rankDIMM configurations are selected in a similar manner. For example, aninterface circuit provides a multi-rank DIMM termination resistanceusing a look-up table. In another example, an interface circuit can alsoprovide a multi-rank DIMM termination resistance that is different fromthe JEDEC standard termination value. Additionally, an interface circuitcan provide a multi-rank DIMM with a single termination resistance. Aninterface circuit can also provide a multi-rank DIMM with a terminationresistance that optimizes electrical performance. The terminationresistance can be different for reads and writes.

In some implementations, a DIMM is configured with a single load on thedata lines but receives multiple ODT input signals or commands. Thismeans that while the DIMM can terminate the data line with a singletermination resistance, the DIMM will appear to the memory controller asthough it has two termination resistances that can be configured by thememory controller with multiple ODT signals and MRS commands. In someother implementations a DIMM has an ODT value that is a programmablefunction of the of ODT input signals that are asserted by the system ormemory controller.

FIGS. 3A-C are block diagrams of an example memory module using aninterface circuit to provide DIMM termination. In some implementations,FIGS. 3A-C include an interface circuit similar to interface circuit 150described in the context of the computer systems in FIGS. 1A-F. Inparticular, DRAMs 316, 318, 320, and 324 can have attributes comparableto those described with respect to memory chips 142, respectively.Likewise, the interface circuit 314 can have attributes comparable to,and illustrative of, the interface circuits 150 shown in FIGS. 1A-F.Similarly, other elements within FIGS. 3A-C have attributes comparableto, and illustrative of, corresponding elements in FIGS. 1A-F.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the interface circuit 314 is coupled to DRAMs 316,318, 320, and 324. The interface circuit 314 is coupled to the memorycontroller using memory bus signals DQ[3:0], DQ[7:4], DQS1_t, DQS1_c,DQS0_t, DQS0_c, VSS. Additionally, other bus signals (not shown) can beincluded. FIG. 3A shows only a partial view of the DIMM, which provides8 bits of data to the system through DQ[7:4] bus signal. For an ECC DIMMwith 72 bits of data, there would be a total of 36 DRAM devices andthere would be 9 instances of interface circuit 314. In FIG. 3A, theinterface circuit combines two virtual ranks to present a singlephysical rank to the system (e.g., to a memory controller). DRAMs 316and 320 belong to a virtual rank 0 and DRAMs 318 and 324 are parts ofvirtual rank 1. As shown, DRAMs devices 316 and 318 together withinterface circuit 314 operate to form a single larger virtual DRAMdevice 312. In a similar fashion, DRAM devices 320 and 324 together withinterface circuit 314 operate to form a virtual DRAM device 310.

The virtual DRAM device 310 represents a “slice” of the DIMM, as itprovides a “nibble” (e.g., 4 bits) of data to the memory system. DRAMdevices 316 and 318 also represent a slice that emulates a singlevirtual DRAM 312. The interface circuit 314 thus provides terminationfor two slices of DIMM comprising virtual DRAM devices 310 and 312.Additionally, as a result of emulation, the system sees a single-rankDIMM.

In some implementations, the interface circuit 314 is used to providetermination of transmission lines coupled to DIMM. FIG. 3A showsresistors 333, 334, 336, 337 that can be used, either alone or invarious combinations with each other, for transmission line termination.First, the interface circuit 314 can include one or more ODT resistors334 (annotated as T2). For example, ODT resistor 334 may be used toterminate DQ[7:4] channel. It is noted that DQ[7:4] is a bus having fourpins: DQ7, DQ6, DQ5, DQ4 and thus may require four different ODTresistors. In addition, DRAMs 316, 318, 320, and 324 can also includetheir own ODT resistors 336 (annotated as T).

In some implementations, the circuit of FIG. 3A also includes one ormore resistors 333 that provide series stub termination of the DQsignals. These resistors are used in addition to any parallel DIMMtermination, for example, provided by ODT resistors 334 and 336. Othersimilar value stub resistors can also be used with transmission linesassociated with other data signals. For example, in FIG. 3A, resistor337 is a calibration resistor connected to pin ZQ.

FIG. 3A also shows that the interface circuit 314 can receive ODTcontrol signals though pins ODT0 326 and ODT1 328. As described above,the ODT signal turns on or turns off a given ODT resistor at the DRAM.As shown in FIG. 3A, the ODT signal to DRAM devices in virtual rank 0 isODT0 326 and the ODT signal to the DRAM devices in virtual rank 1 isODT1 328.

Because the interface circuit 314 provides for flexibility pins forsignals ODT 330, ODT 332, ODT0 326, and ODT1 328 may be connected in anumber of different configurations.

In one example, ODT0 326 and ODT1 328 are connected directly to thesystem (e.g., memory controller); ODT 330 and ODT 332 are hard-wired;and interface circuit 314 performs the function determine the value ofDIMM termination based on the values of ODT0 and ODT1 (e.g., using alookup table as describe above with respect to Tables 1A-B). In thismanner, the DIMM can use the flexibility provided by using two ODTsignals, yet provide the appearance of a single physical rank to thesystem.

For example, if the memory controller instructs rank 0 on the DIMM toterminate to 40 ohm and rank 1 to terminate to 40 ohm, without theinterface circuit, a standard DIMM would then set termination of 40 ohmon each of two DRAM devices. The resulting parallel combination of twonets each terminated to 40 ohm would then appear electrically to beterminated to 20 ohm. However, the presence of interface circuitprovides for additional flexibility in setting ODT termination values.For example, a system designer may determine, through simulation, that asingle termination value of 15 ohm (different from the normal,standard-mandated value of 20 ohm) is electrically better for a DIMMembodiment using interface circuits. The interface circuit 314, using alookup table as described, may therefore present a single terminationvalue of 15 ohm to the memory controller.

In another example, ODT0 326 and ODT1 328 are connected to a logiccircuit (not shown) that can derive values for ODT0 326 and ODT1 328 notjust from one or more ODT signals received from the system, but alsofrom any of the control, address, or other signals present on the DIMM.The signals ODT 330 and ODT 332 can be hard-wired or can be wired to thelogic circuit. Additionally, there can be fewer or more than two ODTsignals between the logic circuit and interface circuit 314. The one ormore logic circuits can be a CPLD, ASIC, FPGA, or part of an intelligentregister (on an R-DIMM or registered-DIMM for example), or a combinationof such components.

In some implementations, the function of the logic circuit is performedby a modified JEDEC register with a number of additional pins added. Thefunction of the logic circuit can also be performed by one or moreinterface circuits and shared between the interface circuits usingsignals (e.g., ODT 330 and ODT 332) as a bus to communicate thetermination values that are to be used by each interface circuit.

In some implementations, the logic circuit determines the target rankand non-target ranks for reads or writes and then communicates thisinformation to each of the interface circuits so that termination valuescan be set appropriately. The lookup table or tables for terminationvalues can be located in the interface circuits, in one or more logiccircuit, or shared/partitioned between components. The exactpartitioning of the lookup table function to determine terminationvalues between the interface circuits and any logic circuit depends, forexample, on the economics of package size, logic function and speed, ornumber of pins.

In another implementation, signals ODT 330 and ODT 332 are used incombination with dynamic termination of the DRAM (i.e., termination thatcan vary between read and write operations and also between target andnon-target ranks) in addition to termination of the DIMM provided byinterface circuit 314. For example, the system can operate as though theDIMM is a single-rank DIMM and send termination commands to the DIMM asthough it were a single-rank DIMM. However, in reality, there are twovirtual ranks and two DRAM devices (such as DRAM 316 and DRAM 318) thateach have their own termination in addition to the interface circuit. Asystem designer has an ability to vary or tune the logical and timingbehavior as well as the values of termination in three places: (a) DRAM316; (b) DRAM 318; and (c) interface circuit 314, to improve signalquality of the channel and reduce power dissipation.

A DIMM with four physical ranks and two logical ranks can be created ina similar fashion to the one described above. A computer system using2-rank DIMMs would have two ODT signals provided to each DIMM. In someimplementations, these two ODT signals are used, with or without anadditional logic circuit(s) to adjust the value of DIMM termination atthe interface circuits and/or at any or all of the DRAM devices in thefour physical ranks behind the interface circuits.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating the example structure of an ODTblock within a DIMM. The structure illustrated in FIG. 3B embodies theODT resistor 336 (box T in DRAMs 316, 318, 320, and 324) described withrespect to FIG. 3A. In particular, ODT block 342 includes an ODTresistor 346 that is coupled to ground/reference voltage 344 on one sideand a switch 348 on the other side. The switch 348 is controlled withODT signal 352, which can turn the switch either on or off. When theswitch 348 is turned on, it connects the ODT resistor 346 totransmission line 340, permitting ODT resistor 346 to terminate thetransmission line 340. When the switch 348 is turned off, it disconnectsthe ODT resistor 346 from the transmission line 340. In addition,transmission line 340 can be coupled to other circuitry 350 within DIMM.The value of the ODT resistor 346 can be selected using MRS command 354.

FIG. 3C is a block diagram illustrating the exemplary structure of ODTblock within an interface circuit. The structure illustrated in FIG. 3Bembodies the ODT resistor 366 (box T2 in DRAMs 316, 318, 320, and 324)described above with respect to FIG. 3A. In particular, ODT block 360includes an ODT resistor 366 that is coupled to ground/reference voltage362 on one side and a switch 368 on the other side. In addition, the ODTblock 360 can be controlled by circuit 372, which can receive ODTsignals and MRS commands from a memory controller. Circuit 372 is a partof the interface circuit 314 in FIG. 3A and is responsible forcontrolling the ODT. The switch 368 can be controlled with either ODT0signal 376 or ODT1 signal 378, which are supplied by the circuit 372.

In some implementations, circuit 372 transmits the same MRS commands orODT signals to the ODT resistor 366 that it receives from the memorycontroller. In some other implementations, circuit 372 generates its owncommands or signals that are different from the commands/signals itreceives from the memory controller. Circuit 372 can generate these MRScommands or ODT signals based on a lookup table and the inputcommands/signals from the memory controller. When the switch 368receives an ODT signal from the circuit 372, it can either turn on orturn off. When the switch 368 is turned on, it connects the ODT resistor366 to the transmission line 370, permitting ODT resistor 366 toterminate the transmission line 370. When the switch 368 is turned off,it disconnects the ODT resistor 366 from the transmission line 370. Inaddition, transmission line 370 can be coupled to other circuitry 380within the interface circuit. The value of the ODT resistor 366 can beselected using MRS command 374.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating one slice of an example 2-rankDIMM using two interface circuits for DIMM termination per slice. Insome implementations, FIG. 4 includes an interface circuit similar tothose previously described in FIGS. 1A-F and 3A-C. Elements within FIG.4 can have attributes comparable to and illustrative of correspondingelements in FIGS. 1A-F and 3A-C.

FIG. 4 shows a DIMM 400 that has two virtual ranks and four physicalranks DRAM 410 is in physical rank number zero, DRAM 412 is in the firstphysical rank, DRAM 414 is in the second physical rank, DRAM 416 is inthe third physical rank. DRAM 410 and DRAM 412 are in virtual rank 0440. DRAM 414 and DRAM 416 are in virtual rank 1 442. In general, DRAMs410, 412, 414, and 416 have attributes comparable to and illustrative toDRAMs discussed with respect to FIGS. 1A-F and 3A-C. For example, DRAMs410, 412, 414, and 416 can include ODT resistors 464, which werediscussed with respect to FIG. 3B.

In addition, FIG. 4 shows an interface circuit 420 and an interfacecircuit 422. In some implementations, interface circuits 420 and 422have attributes similar to the interface circuits described with respectto FIGS. 1A-F and 3A-C. For example, interface circuits 420 and 422 caninclude ODT resistors 460 and 462, which function similarly to ODTresistor 366 discussed above with respect to FIG. 3C.

FIG. 4 also shows one instance of a logic circuit 424. DIMM 400 caninclude other components, for example, a register, smart (i.e. modifiedor enhanced) register device or register circuit for R-DIMMs, a discretePLL and/or DLL, voltage regulators, SPD, other non-volatile memorydevices, bypass capacitors, resistors, and other components. In additionor alternatively, some of the above components can be integrated witheach other or with other components.

In some implementation, DIMM 400 is connected to the system (e.g.,memory controller) through conducting fingers 430 of the DIMM PCB. Some,but not all, of these fingers are illustrated in FIG. 4, for example,the finger for DQS0_t, shown as finger 430. Each finger receives asignal and corresponds to a signal name, e.g., DQS0_t 432. DQ0 434 is anoutput (or pin) of the interface circuits 420 and 422. In someimplementations, these two outputs are tied, dotted or connected to anelectrical network. Any termination applied to any pin on thiselectrical network thus applies to the entire electrical network (andthe same is true for other similar signals and electrical networks).Furthermore, interface circuits 420 and 422 are shown as containingmultiple instances of switch 436. Net DQ0 434 is connected throughswitches 436 to signal pin DQ[0] of DRAM 410, DRAM 412, DRAM 414, andDRAM 416.

In some implementations, switch 436 is a single-pole single-throw (SPST)switch. In some other implementations, switch 436 is mechanical ornon-mechanical. Regardless, the switch 436 can be one of various switchtypes, for example, SPST, DPDT, or SPDT, a two-way or bidirectionalswitch or circuit element, a parallel combination of one-way,uni-directional switches or circuit elements, a CMOS switch, amultiplexor (MUX), a de-multiplexer (de-MUX), a CMOS bidirectionalbuffer; a CMOS pass gate, or any other type of switch.

The function of the switches 436 is to allow the physical DRAM devicesbehind the interface circuit to be connected together to emulate avirtual DRAM. These switches prevent such factors as bus contention,logic contention or other factors that may prevent or present unwantedproblems from such a connection. Any logic function or switching elementthat achieves this purpose can be used. Any logical or electrical delayintroduced by such a switch or logic can be compensated for. Forexample, the address and/or command signals can be modified throughcontrolled delay or other logical devices.

Switch 436 is controlled by signals from logic circuit 424 coupled tothe interface circuits, including interface circuit 420 and interfacecircuit 422. In some implementations, switches 436 in the interfacecircuits are controlled so that only one of the DRAM devices isconnected to any given signal net at one time. Thus, for example, if theswitch connecting net DQ0 434 to DRAM 410 is closed, then switchesconnecting net DQ0 434 to DRAMs 412, 414, 416 are open.

In some implementations, the termination of nets, such as DQ0 434, byinterface circuits 420 and 422 is controlled by inputs ODT0 i 444 (where“i” stands for internal) and ODT1 i 446. While the term ODT has beenused in the context of DRAM devices, the on-die termination used by aninterface circuit can be different from the on-die termination used by aDRAM device. Since ODT0 i 444 and ODT1 i 446 are internal signals, theinterface circuit termination circuits can be different from standardDRAM devices. Additionally, the signal levels, protocol, and timing canalso be different from standard DRAM devices.

The ability to adjust the interface circuit's ODT behavior provides thesystem designer with an ability to vary or tune the values and timing ofODT, which may improve signal quality of the channel and reduce powerdissipation. In one example, as part of the target rank, interfacecircuit 420 provides termination when DRAM 410 is connected to net DQ0434. In this example, the interface circuit 420 can be controlled byODT0 i 444 and ODT1 i 446. As part of the non-target rank, interfacecircuit 422 can also provide a different value of termination (includingno termination at all) as controlled by signals ODT0 i 444 and ODT1 i446.

In some implementations, the ODT control signals or commands from thesystem are ODT0 448 and ODT1 450. The ODT input signals or commands tothe DRAM devices are shown by ODT signals 452, 454, 456, 458. In someimplementations, the ODT signals 452, 454, 456, 458 are not connected.In some other implementations, ODT signals 452, 454, 456, 458 areconnected, for example, as: (a) hardwired (i.e. to VSS or VDD or otherfixed voltage); (b) connected to logic circuit 424; (c) directlyconnected to the system; or (d) a combination of (a), (b), and (c).

As shown in FIG. 4, transmission line termination can be placed in anumber of locations, for example, (a) at the output of interface circuit420; (b) the output of interface circuit 422; (c) the output of DRAM410; (d) the output of DRAM 412; (e) the output of DRAM 414; (f) theoutput of DRAM 416; or may use any combination of these. By choosinglocation for termination, the system designer can vary or tune thevalues and timing of termination to improve signal quality of thechannel and reduce power dissipation.

Furthermore, in some implementations, a memory controller in a DDR3system sets termination values to different values than used in normaloperation during different DRAM modes or during other DRAM, DIMM andsystem modes, phases, or steps of operation. DRAM modes can includeinitialization, wear-leveling, initial calibration, periodiccalibration, DLL off, DLL disabled, DLL frozen, or various power-downmodes.

In some implementations, the logic circuit 424 may also be programmed(by design as part of its logic or caused by control or other signals ormeans) to operate differently during different modes/phases of operationso that a DIMM with one or more interface circuits can appear, respondto, and communicate with the system as if it were a standard ortraditional DIMM without interface circuits. Thus, for example, logiccircuit 424 can use different termination values during different phasesof operation (e.g., memory reads and memory writes) either bypre-programmed design or by external command or control, or the logictiming may operate differently. For example, logic circuit 424 can use atermination value during read operations that is different from atermination value during write operations.

As a result, in some implementations, no changes to a standard computersystem (motherboard, CPU, BIOS, chipset, component values, etc.) need tobe made to accommodate DIMM 400 with one or more interface circuits.Therefore, while in some implementations the DIMM 400 with the interfacecircuit(s) may operate differently from a standard or traditional DIMM(for example, by using different termination values or different timingthan a standard DIMM), the modified DIMM would appear to the computersystem/memory controller as if it were operating as a standard DIMM.

In some implementations, there are two ODT signals internal to the DIMM400. FIG. 4 shows these internal ODT signals between logic circuit 424and the interface circuits 420 and 422 as ODT0 i 444 and ODT1 i 446.Depending on the flexibility of termination required, the size andcomplexity of the lookup table, and the type of signaling interfaceused, there may be any number of signals between logic circuit 424 andthe interface circuits 420 and 422. For example, the number of internalODT signals can be same, fewer, or greater than the number of ODTsignals from the system/memory controller.

In some implementations, there are two interface circuits per slice of aDIMM 400. Consequently, an ECC DIMM with 72 bits would include 2×72/4=36interface circuits. Similarly, a 64-bit DIMM would include 2×64/4=32interface circuits.

In some implementations, interface circuit 420 and interface circuit 422are combined into a single interface circuit, resulting in one interfacecircuit per slice. In these implementations, a DIMM would include72/4=18 interface circuits. Other number (8, 9, 16, 18, etc.),arrangement, or integration of interface circuits may be used dependingon a type of DIMM, cost, power, physical space on the DIMM, layoutrestrictions and other factors.

In some alternative implementations, logic circuit 424 is shared by allof the interface circuits on the DIMM 400. In these implementations,there would be one logic circuit per DIMM 400. In yet otherimplementations, a logic circuit or several logic circuits arepositioned on each side of a DIMM 400 (or side of a PCB, board, card,package that is part of a module or DIMM, etc.) to simplify PCB routing.Any number of logic circuits may be used depending on the type of DIMM,the number of PCBs used, or other factors.

Other arrangements and levels of integration are also possible. Therearrangements can depend, for example, on silicon die area and cost,package size and cost, board area, layout complexity as well as otherengineering and economic factors. For example, all of the interfacecircuits and logic circuits can be integrated together into a singleinterface circuit. In another example, an interface circuit and/or logiccircuit can be used on each side of a PCB or PCBs to improve boardrouting. In yet another example, some or all of the interface circuitsand/or logic circuits can be integrated with one or more registercircuits or any of the other DIMM components on an R-DIMM.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a slice of an example 2-rank DIMM500 with one interface circuit per slice. In some implementations, DIMM500 includes on or more interface circuit as described above in FIGS.1A-F, 3A-C, and 4. Additionally, elements within DIMM 500 can haveattributes similar to corresponding elements in FIGS. 1A-F, 3A-C, and 4.For example, interface circuit 520 can include ODT resistor 560, whichcan be similar to ODT resister 366, discussed with respect to FIG. 3C.Likewise, DRAM devices 510, 512, 514, and 516 can include ODT resistors580, which can be similar to ODT resistor 346 discussed with respect toFIG. 3B.

DIMM 500 has virtual rank 0 540, with DRAM devices 510 and 512 andvirtual rank 1 542, with DRAM devices 514 and 516. Interface circuit 520uses switches 562 and 564 to either couple or isolate data signals suchas DQ0 534 to the DRAM devices. Signals, for example, DQ0 534 arereceived from the system through connectors e.g., finger 530. A registercircuit 524 provides ODT control signals on bus 566 and switch controlsignals on bus 568 to interface circuit 520 and/or other interfacecircuits. Register circuit 524 can also provide standard JEDEC registerfunctions. For example, register circuit 524 can receive inputs 572 thatinclude command, address, control, and other signals from the systemthrough connectors, e.g., finger 578. In some implementations, othersignals are not directly connected to the register circuit 524, as shownin FIG. 5 by finger 576. The register circuit 524 can transmit command,address, control and other signals (possibly modified in timing andvalues) through bus 574 to the DRAM devices, for example, DRAM device516. Not all the connections of command, address, control and othersignals between DRAM devices are shown in FIG. 5.

The register circuit 524 can receive inputs ODT0 548 and ODT1 550 from asystem (e.g., a memory controller of a host system). The registercircuit 524 can also alter timing and behavior of ODT control beforepassing this information to interface circuit 520 through bus 566. Theinterface circuit 520 can then provide DIMM termination at DQ pin withODT resistor 560. In some implementations, the timing of terminationsignals (including when and how they are applied, changed, removed) anddetermination of termination values are split between register circuit524 and interface circuit 520.

Furthermore, in some implementations, the register circuit 524 alsocreates ODT control signals 570: R0_ODT0, R0_ODT1, R1_ODT0, R1_ODT1.These signals can be coupled to DRAM device signals 552, 554, 556 and558. In some alternative implementations, (a) some or all of signals552, 554, 556 and 558 may be hard-wired (to VSS, VDD or otherpotential); (b) some or all of signals 570 are created by interfacecircuit 520; (c) some or all of signals 570 are based on ODT0 548 andODT1 550; (d) some or all of signals 570 are altered in timing and valuefrom ODT0 548 and ODT1 550; or (e) any combination of implementations(a)-(d).

FIG. 6 illustrates an physical layout of an example printed circuitboard (PCB) 600 of a DIMM with an interface circuit. In particular, PCB600 includes an ECC R-DIMM with nine interface circuits and thirty sixDRAMs 621. Additionally, FIG. 6 shows the two sides of a single DIMM610. The DIMM 610 includes fingers 612 that permit the DIMM 610 to beelectrically coupled to a system. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, PCB600 includes 36 DRAM (621-629, front/bottom; 631-639 front/top; 641-649back/top; 651-659 back/bottom).

FIG. 6 also shows nine interface circuits 661-669, located in thefront/middle. In addition, FIG. 6 shows one register circuit 670 locatedin front/center of the PCB 600. The register circuit 670 can haveattributes comparable to those described with respect to interfacecircuit 150. DIMMs with a different number of DRAMs, interface circuits,or layouts can be used.

In some implementations, interface circuits can be located at the bottomof the DIMM PCB, so as to place termination electrically close tofingers 612. In some other implementations, DRAMs can be arranged on thePCB 600 with different orientations. For example, their longer sides canbe arranged parallel to the longer edge of the PCB 600. DRAMs can alsobe arranged with their longer sides being perpendicular to the longeredge of the PCB 600. Alternatively, the DRAMs can be arranged such thatsome have long sides parallel to the longer edge of the PCB 600 andothers have longer sides perpendicular to the longer edge of the PCB600. Such arrangement may be useful to optimize high-speed PCB routing.In some other implementations, PCB 600 can include more than oneregister circuit. Additionally, PCB 600 can include more than one PCBsandwiched to form a DIMM. Furthermore, PCB 600 can include interfacecircuits placed on both side of the PCB.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 700 for providingtermination resistance in a memory module. For convenience, the method700 will be described with reference to an interface circuit thatperforms the method (e.g., interface circuit 150). It should be noted,however, that some or all steps of method 700 can be performed by othercomponents within computer systems 100A-F.

The interface circuit communicates with memory circuits and with amemory controller (step 702). The memory circuits are, for example,dynamic random access memory (DRAM) integrated circuits in a dualin-line memory module (DIMM).

The interface circuit receives resistance-setting commands from thememory controller (step 704). The resistance-setting commands can bemode register set (MRS) commands directed to on-die termination (ODT)resistors within the memory circuits.

The interface circuit selects a resistance value based on the receivedresistance-setting commands (step 706). The interface circuit can selecta resistance value from a look-up table. In addition, the selectedresistance value can depend on the type of operation performed by thesystem. For example, the selected resistance value during readoperations can be different from the selected resistance value duringwrite operations. In some implementations, the selected resistance valueis different from the values specified by the resistance-settingcommands. For example, the selected resistance value can be differentfrom a value prescribed by JEDEC standard for DDR3 DRAM.

The interface circuit terminates a transmission line with a resistor ofthe selected resistance value (step 708). The resistor can be an on-dietermination (ODT) resistor. The transmission line can be, for example, atransmission line between the interface circuit and the memorycontroller.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention,other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof. Therefore, the scope of thepresent invention is determined by the claims that follow. In the abovedescription, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details areset forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will beapparent, however, to one skilled in the art that implementations can bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, structuresand devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuringthe disclosure.

In particular, one skilled in the art will recognize that otherarchitectures can be used. Some portions of the detailed description arepresented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations ofoperations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmicdescriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled inthe data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance oftheir work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, andgenerally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leadingto a desired result. The steps are those requiring physicalmanipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily,these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capableof being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwisemanipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasonsof common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements,symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the discussion, it isappreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing termssuch as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or“displaying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of acomputer system, or similar electronic computing device, thatmanipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic)quantities within the computer system's registers and memories intoother data similarly represented as physical quantities within thecomputer system memories or registers or other such information storage,transmission or display devices.

An apparatus for performing the operations herein can be speciallyconstructed for the required purposes, or it can comprise ageneral-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by acomputer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program can bestored in a computer readable storage medium, such as, but is notlimited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks,CD-ROMs, and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), randomaccess memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, orany type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and eachcoupled to a computer system bus.

The algorithms and modules presented herein are not inherently relatedto any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purposesystems can be used with programs in accordance with the teachingsherein, or it can prove convenient to construct more specializedapparatuses to perform the method steps. The required structure for avariety of these systems will appear from the description. In addition,the present examples are not described with reference to any particularprogramming language. It will be appreciated that a variety ofprogramming languages can be used to implement the teachings asdescribed herein. Furthermore, as will be apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the relevant art, the modules, features, attributes,methodologies, and other aspects can be implemented as software,hardware, firmware or any combination of the three. Of course, wherevera component is implemented as software, the component can be implementedas a standalone program, as part of a larger program, as a plurality ofseparate programs, as a statically or dynamically linked library, as akernel loadable module, as a device driver, and/or in every and anyother way known now or in the future to those of skill in the art ofcomputer programming. Additionally, the present description is in no waylimited to implementation in any specific operating system orenvironment.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but ratheras descriptions of features specific to particular implementations ofthe subject matter. Certain features that are described in thisspecification in the context of separate embodiments can also beimplemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures that are described in the context of a single embodiment canalso be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in anysuitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be describedabove as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed assuch, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some casesbe excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may bedirected to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processingmay be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various systemcomponents in the embodiments described above should not be understoodas requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should beunderstood that the described program components and systems cangenerally be integrated together in a single software product orpackaged into multiple software products.

The subject matter of this specification has been described in terms ofparticular embodiments, but other embodiments can be implemented and arewithin the scope of the following claims. For example, the actionsrecited in the claims can be performed in a different order and stillachieve desirable results. As one example, the processes depicted in theaccompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular ordershown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certainimplementations, multitasking and parallel processing may beadvantageous. Other variations are within the scope of the followingclaims.

1. An apparatus for providing termination resistance in a memory module,the apparatus comprising: a plurality of memory circuits; an interfacecircuit operable to communicate with the plurality of memory circuitsand to communicate with a memory controller; and a transmission lineelectrically coupling the interface circuit to the memory controller,wherein the interface circuit is operable to terminate the transmissionline with a single termination resistance that is selected based on aplurality of resistance-setting commands received from the memorycontroller, and wherein the single termination resistance has a valuethat is different from values specified by the resistance-settingcommands received from the memory controller.
 2. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the single termination resistance is provided by an on-dietermination (ODT) resistor.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theinterface circuit selects a value of the single termination resistancefrom a look-up table.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof resistance-setting commands received from the memory controllercomprises a first mode register set (MRS) command and a second MRScommand.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a value of the singletermination resistance during read operations is different from a valueof the single termination resistance during write operations.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of memory circuits is aplurality of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) integrated circuits ina dual in-line memory module (DIMM).
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a resistor operable to provide the single terminationresistance value, wherein the resistor is activated in response to aresistance-setting command issued by the interface circuit.
 8. A methodfor providing termination resistance in a memory module, the methodcomprising: receiving a plurality of resistance-setting commands from amemory controller at an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuitis operable to communicate with a plurality of memory circuits and withthe memory controller; selecting a resistance value based on thereceived plurality of resistance-setting commands; and terminating atransmission line between the interface circuit and the memorycontroller with a resistor of the selected resistance value, wherein theselected resistance value is different from the values specified by theresistance-setting commands.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein theselected resistance value is a value for an on-die termination (ODT)resistor.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the selected resistancevalue is selected from a look-up table.
 11. The method of claim 8,wherein the selected resistance value during read operations isdifferent from the selected resistance value during write operations.12. The method of claim 8, wherein the plurality of memory circuits is aplurality of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) integrated circuits ina dual in-line memory module (DIMM).
 13. The method of claim 8, whereinthe plurality of resistance-setting commands is a plurality of moderegister set (MRS) commands.
 14. An apparatus for providing terminationresistance in a memory module, the apparatus comprising: a first memorycircuit having a first termination resistor with a selectable value; asecond memory circuit having a second termination resistor with aselectable value; and an interface circuit operable to communicate withthe first and the second memory circuits and a memory controller,wherein the interface circuit is operable to select a single value forthe first and the second termination resistors that is chosen based on aplurality of resistance-setting commands received from the memorycontroller, wherein the single value selected by the interface circuitfor the first and the second termination resistors is different fromvalues indicated by the plurality of resistance-setting commandsreceived from the memory controller.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein the first and the second termination resistors are on-dietermination (ODT) resistors.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein theinterface circuit selects a single value for the first and the secondtermination resistors from a look-up table.
 17. The apparatus of claim14, wherein the plurality of resistance-setting commands received fromthe memory controller comprises a first mode register set (MRS) commandand a second MRS command.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein valuesof the first and the second termination resistors during read operationsare different from values of the first and the second terminationresistors during write operations.
 19. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein the first and the second memory circuits are dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM) integrated circuits in a dual in-line memory module(DIMM).
 20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first and secondterminations resistors are activated in response to one or moreresistance-setting commands issued by the interface circuit.